Sadly, the FMLA, while being a great thing in and of itself, does not provide any mandate regarding preservation of income. All it guarentees is that if the conditions are met, the employer is required to allow the employee to return to work in the same job capacity as before the leave began. I think if you did a survey, you'd find that most companies grant the leave by using up your acumulated sick leave (if any) first, then stop paying you until you return.....

.....yeah, that sucks. That's how it is in my workplace. I'm fortunate that my workers union negotiated a separate 'sick leave bank' that preserves your salary while out on medical leave (although they do spend down your personal sick days first).

Gwydion